Seniors’ guide to 3G shutdown

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, we’ve grown comfortable with the familiar. Many of us have relied on 3G mobile devices for years, and they have served us well.

However, it’s crucial to know that Australian 3G networks are on the brink of obsolescence. Vodafone is set to close its 3G towers by year-end, followed by Telstra by June 2024, and Optus in September 2024. That’s less than a year away.

Why the urgency?


Key points


  • Australian 3G networks are on the brink of obsolescence – Vodafone will close its 3G towers by year-end, followed by Telstra in June 2024, and Optus in September 2024.

  • If you own and use a 3G-only mobile device for calls, texts, and internet browsing, you will need to upgrade to 4G or higher device.

  • Konec Mobile – a trusted partner of National Seniors Australia – is offering 50% off a brand-new 4G enabled device, the OPPO A38, with purchase of a Konec 90-day or 365-day plan.

  • Konec Mobile has friendly customer service to help with purchase and activation to make the transition to 4G as smooth as possible.

You might be wondering, why the rush? Well, 3G technology is no longer able to keep up with the increasing demands of our digital lives. With the 3G shutdown, older devices that rely on this network will lose their connectivity.

This means that if you wish to continue making calls, texts, and internet browsing, you’ll need to upgrade to a 4G or higher device.

Recent reports reveal that millions of Australians still use 3G-only devices, and many of them are unaware of the impending shutdown. This transition affects everyone, including seniors who would not normally prioritise a mobile phone upgrade.

The shutdown doesn’t just affect our smartphones; some critical medical devices also rely on 3G networks. Ensuring the functionality of these devices is essential for the wellbeing of many people.

Understanding the upgrade: From 3G to 4G/5G


Upgrading to 4G or higher means moving from an older, slower network to a newer, faster, and more efficient one. 3G technology has been around for quite some time, and while it served us well in the past, it’s simply unable to meet the demands of our modern digital lives.

With 4G and 5G, you can enjoy faster internet browsing, smoother video streaming, improved call quality, and the ability to use data-intensive apps without hiccups. But don’t worry, if you’re not interested in video streaming and downloading big apps, you can use 4G network as you used 3G – to simply connect to loved ones and the world around you.

Konec Mobile


So, what can you do to navigate this transition with confidence? Introducing Konec Mobile, a trusted National Seniors Australia partner.

Konec Mobile is here to help you “Konec” to what’s next – and in this case, this means upgrading to 4G without complications or breaking the bank. Konec Mobile uses the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, a trusted Australian network.

Konec Mobile knows that switching telco providers can seem like a complicated process. But Konec is here to make the transition as smooth as possible. The sign-up process is straightforward and you can keep your current number or choose a new one from the available options.

Interested in upgrading but may need some assistance? Konec Mobile has got your back. The customer service team is ready to help you every step of the way.

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